Yellow Jackets stung 'Canes for 472 rushing yards in '08

CORAL GABLES — Cornerback Brandon Harris says the best way to get the younger players on Miami's defense to understand just how dangerous Georgia Tech's triple option can be is to show them.

"The film didn't disappear," Harris said.

In fact, the 'Canes have watched as much of their 41-23 loss at Georgia Tech two years ago as their 33-17 win at home last season.

"We've seen the good and the bad, what can happen when you do what you're supposed to do, and unfortunately we've seen what can happen when you come out and slip up on an offense like this," Harris said.

The last time the 'Canes played at Bobby Dodd Stadium, they allowed 472 rushing yards — second most surrendered in school history — as the Yellow Jackets ran on all but seven of their 63 plays. Last season, with 10 days to prepare, UM held Georgia Tech to 95 yards on 39 carries.

"The first drive they were moving the football and all of a sudden we caught up to the speed of what they were trying to get done," coach Randy Shannon said. "It's how fast you get caught up. It's like that any time you play an option team. If you figure it out about the third quarter, you'll be in trouble."

The Yellow Jackets, who lead the nation with 320.6 rushing yards per game, will be without quarterback Joshua Nesbitt for Saturday's noon game in Atlanta. Nesbitt, the leading rusher among quarterbacks in ACC history, broke his arm last week against Virginia Tech, so Tevin Washington will make his first career start.

Defensive end Allen Bailey said Nesbitt would run the offense more smoothly because of his experience, but Bailey and his teammates say the Jackets' offense won't be any different with Washington — or easier to defend.

"With the triple option, anybody can have the ball at anytime," linebacker Sean Spence said.

"They're so unique in that they do," cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke said. "You have to be very disciplined and be a great tackling team to beat this team."

Georgia Tech rolled up 346 yards rushing against Virginia Tech, the most against the Hokies in 16 seasons (200 games). B-back Anthony Allen leads the team with 817 yards and five touchdowns on 139 carries. A-backs Orwin Smith (26 carries, 300 yards, four touchdowns) and Roddy Jones (36 carries, 269 yards, three touchdowns) are two other threats.

Instead of reviewing the Maryland game Sunday, Miami's defense immediately started watching film of Georgia Tech. Linebacker Kelvin Cain said the 'Canes also spent a couple of days at the start of the season preparing for the triple option.

"This team is successful when one guy on defense is off track and he's not doing his assignment," Harris said. "That hurts the team."

Shannon said someone has to be responsible for the fullback, someone else for the tailback and someone for the pitch.

"The only thing you can do is make sure everyone gets tackled in practice," Shannon said. "We have to tackle the fullback and tell the quarterback to keep running until you get tackled, as well as the pitch guy.

"No matter if the play is over with, the only time it is actually over is when all three guys are tackled. It has to be 11 guys to the football in practice and no one can get cut [block]."